Visible Implant Elastomer: A Simple, Non-Harmful Method for Marking Hatchling Turtles

摘要

Effectively marking hatchling freshwater turtles is challenging because hatchling turtles are typically small, but increase significantly in size by maturity (Plummer 1979). Ideal marks are minimally invasive, with zero or low impact on survival, are correctly identifiable upon recapture, do not affect recapture probability, remain recognizable for the length of the proposed study, and are reasonably affordable (Gibbons 1968; Plummer 1979). Marks must also remain detectable through significant growth, given turtles' dramatic increase in size between hatching and maturity. In reality, very few marking methods meet all of these criteria. Here, we discuss the merits and pitfalls of various marking methods for use in hatchling turtles. Also, we describe the use of visible implant elastomer (VIE) to mark hatchling turtles and summarize potential areas of concern regarding the use of VIE for hatchling turtles.